The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is warning the public about a “fake representative” scam, after more than twenty incidents were reported in recent weeks in the Haut-Saint-Laurent.
In this type of scam, the fraudster contacts the victim by telephone, posing as a police officer or an Equifax employee. They claim that the victim is the subject of a fraud or an ongoing investigation, then they attempt to obtain personal or financial information under the pretext of verifying or resolving the situation. In some cases, the scammer has gone so far as to ask the victim to place their bank card in an envelope so it can be collected.
According to the SQ, fake representative scams are happening more frequently across Quebec, where scam artists deliberately target vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, some of these incidents have resulted in financial losses.
The provincial police are asking residents to be vigilant, while reminding the public to never disclose personal banking information over the phone. Police officers or representatives from financial institutions or agencies will not ask for personal information, identification numbers, bank cards, jewelry, or money. If in doubt, hang up the phone, contact 9-1-1 or your financial institution.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this type of fraud should report the incident to the SQ and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. (SR)